Passenger Drones Ready for Customers in Dubai

Sam Silvey

March 13, 2017

Are you ready for not only self-driving cars but self-flying limo services? Starting in July of 2017, Dubai plans to start offering drone passenger services using China’s Ehang 184. The drone was announced by The Roads and Transportation Authority of Dubai at the World Government Summit and has been working to become ready for transport following the summit. It was created by Beijing Yi-Hang Creation Science and Technology Corporation and can currently fly 30 miles with a recharging time of 2 hours.

The drone has a 220-pound limit, can fly up to 100 mph, and all runs on auto pilot. The company has also stated that cyber-security measures have been taken to block unwanted forces from taking over the drones flight control. China’s development in drone technology is on the rise in the recent years. In 2015, successful test on amphibious drones was done and within one year, the testing for Ehang 184 had begun.

Drone transportation is an inevitable future for Dubai but it will not go unregulated. Penalties upwards of $5,400 have already been enforced to illegal drones flying without proper licenses or registration papers. Owners of drones also need to obtain licenses in the aviation sector from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority which only last one year per sign-up. This can also apply to particular heavy duty fireworks, drone photography, hover lighting, and laser light shows.

Dubai it taking the lead in futurism! Their next goal is to have 25% of all vehicles automated and with the news on the Ehang 184, they don’t seem far from their goal.